2016.11.21 / 1438.02.20. (H)
Let’s pray & make effort towards the prevalence of Peace & Coexistence in this Country
We Muslims living in this country have been continuously facing a number of challenges throughout history. We have overcome such periods successfully by being calm & patient as per the teachings of Islam.
In the event of challenges, one would definitely be able to be overcome the situation successfully by turning towards Allah. This is evident from the history of Prophets. We Muslims should refrain and protect ourselves from major Sins and make sincere efforts towards strengthening the bond with Allah. Certainly, our good deeds would result in peace and prosperity to the Muslims and all others.
The current situation prevailing in the country have resulted in restlessness among the Muslim Community. Some elements have been actively engaged in continuous anti-Muslim campaigns and which induce racism.
Such activities targeted towards a community, would disrupt the prevailing peace and coexistence and affect the development process of the country and also would violate the Rights assured by the Constitution to every citizen of this Country.
The issues on ISIS, which has been widely publicized in the Media recently, has already been addressed and condemned last year by a Joint Declaration by the ACJU and 12 leading Muslim Organizations in Sri Lanka on the 23rd of July 2015. By this the Muslim community confirms that it has never recognized any sort of extremism and has proven its patriotism to the motherland.
On 20.11.2016 an emergency meeting was conducted with Muslim organizations, at the ACJU Head Office, on the prevailing situation in the country. It was decided to meet H.E. the President, Honorable Prime Minister, Muslim Parliamentarians and the concerned Officers and take appropriate actions to smoothen the situation. Furthermore a committee was appointed to continue the efforts in building better relations and coexistence with other communities.
Therefore, the ACJU requests all Muslims of this country to protect the ethnic and social unity by following the Islamic teachings and completely refrain from all activities inducing racism and to return towards Allah by performing good deeds such as Isthigfar (seeking forgiveness), Sadaqah (charity), fasting and Dua (supplications).
The ACJU requests the Religious Scholars and Professionals in the respective localities, to build and protect relations with other communities and provide guidance to the general public, based on the ACJU’s Declaration on Coexistence.
Ash-Sheikh H. Omardeen
Secretary – Propaganda Committee
All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama
